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Artillery / Self-propelled howitzers / PLZ05

PLZ05

General Facts

  • TYPE
    Self-propelled howitzer

  • ORIGIN
    China

  • NICKNAMES
    PLZ05
    Type 05

  • DESIGNED
    Early 2000's

  • DESIGNER
    Unknown

  • PRODUCTION
    Late 2000's - present

  • PRODUCERS
    China - Norinco

  • QUANTITY
    Unknown

  • UNIT COST
    Unknown

  • CHARACTERISTICS
    Long range and powerful armament
    High rate of fire
    Much more expensive than PLZ45
    Large and heavy

Introduction

The PLZ05 is a modern tracked 155mm self-propelled howitzer of Chinese origin. It is a further development of the PLZ45 which was found not yet capable enough for Chinese service. Development took place in the early 2000's and certification took place in 2005 and 2006.

Layout

The PLZ05 is based on a modified tracked PLZ45 chassis. The drive train is mounted in the front and the fully enclosed turret is fitted at the rear. The crew of five consists of a commander, driver, gunner and two loaders. The turret houses a fully automated loading system which is derived from the Russian 2S19 Msta.

Firepower

The PLZ05 is fitted with longer 155mm howitzer than the PLZ45. A length of 52 or 54-calibers is quoted. As a result longer ranges of over 50km can be achieved with special types of ammunition. Unlike the PLZ45 the PLZ05 is not fitted with a semi-automatic loader. A fully automatic loader similar to the Russian 2S19 is fitted. This doubles the maximum rate of fire to 8 to 10 rounds per minute. For self defense a 12.7mm machine gun is mounted on the turret roof.

Protection

The PLZ05 is operated under full armor protection. The steel armor gives protection against small arms fire and shell splinters. NBC and fire suppression systems are fitted. A total of 8 smoke dischargers are fitted.

Mobility

The PLZ05 is based on a slightly modified chassis of the PLZ45. The spacing between the road wheels is somewhat different but the rest is similar. An unspecified diesel engine is fitted and an auxiliary power unit provides power when the engine is not running.

Users

The PLZ05 is only used by the Chinese armed forces and is to become the standard heavy self-propelled howitzer in Chinese service. The PLZ05 is only used by armored units. Unless major deficiencies are found the PLZ05 is expected to remain in production and service for many years.

Variants

PLZ05

The PLZ05 is a tracked self-propelled howitzer. Only a single version of the howitzer exists. Variants, such as a ammunition resupply vehicle, could be in development as well. The PLZ05 has a conventional layout with the driver and engine in the front of the hull and the turret with the other four crew members in the rear of the hull. The armament consists of a 155mm howitzer that is over 50 calibers long and is connected to a fully automatic loader. A 12.7mm heavy machinegun is fitted for self defense.

TypeSelf-propelled howitzer
Crew5 (commander, driver, gunner, 2 loaders)
Length?
Width?
Height?
Ground clearance?
Weight35 t
Ground pressure?
WheelbaseTracked chassis, 6 roadwheels, drive sprocket front, idler rear
Turn radius?
EngineDiesel engine
Power ratio?
Transmission?
Speed55 km/h
Fuel?
Range550 km
Wall?
Trench?
Gradient?
Fording?
ArmorSteel
NBC equipmentYes
Night visionYes
Smoke8x smoke grenade launcher
Remarks-
Armament155mm L/54 howitzer
12.7mm W85 heavy machine gun
Weapon1155mm L/54 howitzer
360° traverse
Weapon212.7mm W85 heavy machine gun on turret roof
manual traverse and elevation
non-stabilized
Weapon3-
Weapon4-
Weapon5-
Weapon6-

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